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18083 JAMES FENIMORE-COOPER 79

to you to pay you would I believe much oblige him. I
have not a copper of money and am much in want of a
little.

I am your affectionate Son

James Cooper.

This fragment is the only surviving letter written by Cooper
during his college years, so far as is known.

TO RICHARD FENIMORE COOPER, COOPERSTOWN

Oswego yth November 1808
My dear Sir

You and I are old acquaintances but new correspond-
ents. If you don't think fit to answer this letter, why I
shan't think fit to write another.

The officers of the army, at this place, have, captur'd
some few boats. The season is approaching when all
trade must cease in this quarter of the world owing to
the inclemency of the winters.

Our Politicians have raised the embargo and made a
French War. The rumour of War .is strong. If the latter
should be true adieu to Lake Ontario. I shall have the
pleasure of seeing salt water once more. This Oswego has
been crowded with company for this last month—officers,
merchants, smugglers, etc., etc. I have purchased a brace
of pistols for twenty dollars which I shall keep in remem-
brance of your Friendship. There is no prospect of my
having occasion to use them in this quarter of the world.
I shall remember your injunctions—whenever I may have
occasion of that kind.

A small detachment of the U. S. Infantry under the
command of Lieut. Christie are quartered here. They
have taken possession of the old Fort where they will



	18083 JAMES FENIMORE-COOPER 79 to you to pay you would I believe much oblige him. I have not a copper of money and am much in want of a little. I am your affectionate Son James Cooper. This fragment is the only surviving letter written by Cooper during his college years, so far as is known. TO RICHARD FENIMORE COOPER, COOPERSTOWN Oswego yth November 1808 My dear Sir You and I are old acquaintances but new correspond- ents. If you don't think fit to answer this letter, why I shan't think fit to write another. The officers of the army, at this place, have, captur'd some few boats. The season is approaching when all trade must cease in this quarter of the world owing to the inclemency of the winters. Our Politicians have raised the embargo and made a French War. The rumour of War .is strong. If the latter should be true adieu to Lake Ontario. I shall have the pleasure of seeing salt water once more. This Oswego has been crowded with company for this last month—officers, merchants, smugglers, etc., etc. I have purchased a brace of pistols for twenty dollars which I shall keep in remem- brance of your Friendship. There is no prospect of my having occasion to use them in this quarter of the world. I shall remember your injunctions—whenever I may have occasion of that kind. A small detachment of the U. S. Infantry under the command of Lieut. Christie are quartered here. They have taken possession of the old Fort where they will